Mahogany (African)
Khaya ivorensis · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- West and Central Africa (primarily ranging from Liberia to Angola).
- Hardness
- 1,070 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to termites but is susceptible to marine borers and dry wood insects.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain providing a subtle ribbon-stripe figure; texture is medium to coarse with a straight or slightly wavy pattern.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish-brown; sapwood is yellowish-white. It exhibits a natural golden luster and typically darkens to a richer reddish-brown with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to termites but is susceptible to marine borers and dry wood insects.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Contemporary wood sample; lack of significant oxidation or deep wear patterns suggest modern milling (within the last 5-10 years).
- Sustainability Status
- Vulnerable (IUCN Red List); not currently CITES listed but widely available as FSC-certified.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boat building, veneer, musical instruments (guitar bodies), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
West and Central Africa (primarily ranging from Liberia to Angola).
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues, stains, and finishes very well.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for polyurethane or nitrocellulose lacquer to enhance depth; a grain filler is recommended to achieve a smooth, mirror-like surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive large pores and ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn; lacks the characteristic scent of Spanish Cedar or True Mahogany.
